Butler Opens Season With Blue-White Scrimmage

Khyle Marshall

Oct 25, 2013

INDIANAPOLIS - The Butler men's basketball team kicked off its season Friday night at Hinkle Fieldhouse as part of the BIG EAST Tipoff Party on FOX Sports 1. The team was split into two squads with the Blue Team taking home the victory over the White Team by a score of 65-60.

"I thought it was a neat atmosphere," new head coach Brandon Miller said. "I thought it was great the students came out on both ends, the Dawg Pound was terrific."

The Bulldogs played a 20 minute first half and a 12 minute second half. Freshman Elijah Brown led all scorers with 19 points. Senior Khyle Marshall scored 18 points of his own and brought down six rebounds.

"Our guys played hard. They came out and competed," Miller said. "On the offensive end of the floor, I thought we did some very nice things and I thought we executed."

Sophomore Kellen Dunham and freshman Nolan Berry were both strong from behind the arc and scored 15 points each. Senior Erik Fromm also sank several three's to finish with 13 points and three rebounds.

"Our freshmen, at certain times throughout practice, have all played well," Miller said. "They've shown why they're here at Butler, they've shown their strengths. Our freshmen were good tonight."

"Overall, I thought it was a good scrimmage for us," Miller said. "I think we can take a lot of things from tonight."

Freshman Rene Castro and juniors Alex Barlow and Jackson Aldridge all shared time at the point guard position. Castro scored nine points, Barlow had five and six boards and Aldridge contributed five.

"Guys have become more connected on both ends of the floor," Miller said. "Especially on the offensive end. Guys are learning to play together."

About 3,000 Butler fans turned out for Miller's first action as head coach of the Bulldogs. After the game, Miller was asked how his first night of competition as head coach felt.

"It was neat. I don't know if you can call it the first game, but I do think it was a unique environment where our guys got to play in front of a crowd," Miller said.

The Bulldogs will play the first of two exhibitions contests at Hinkle Fieldhouse Tuesday night at 7 p.m. against Nova Southeastern. The second exhibition contest comes on Nov. 2 against DePauw, also at Hinkle Fieldhouse.

The season opener comes on Nov. 9 when Lamar visits Hinkle at 8 p.m. That game will be televised on FOX Sports 2.